Start? Not quite, the DRV-team already includes more than a handful of overseas players, eligible for Germany due to their long-term spells in Heidelberg (Sean Armstrong, Ryanor Parkinsor, Pieter Jordaan, Rob May) and Frankfurt (Chad Shepherd, Kieran Manawatu, Chris Howells - the last one plays now for Pforzheim, along with Rob May). Throw in a couple of German descendents (like Damien Tussac or Stéphane Kohler), who grew up and still play in France.

What makes Melck special are two facts: (1) he's a totally different league and (2) he had absolutely no contact with German rugby until now, despite his 31 years (he's a German-pass holder, born of German emigrants).

Maybe he realised that his chances to be called up by the Boks are declining . And Germany still holds a chance, however small, to reach the World Cup...

ultravioletu wrote:Start? Not quite, the DRV-team already includes more than a handful of overseas players, eligible for Germany due to their long-term spells in Heidelberg (Sean Armstrong, Ryanor Parkinsor, Pieter Jordaan, Rob May) and Frankfurt (Chad Shepherd, Kieran Manawatu, Chris Howells - the last one plays now for Pforzheim, along with Rob May). Throw in a couple of German descendents (like Damien Tussac or Stéphane Kohler), who grew up and still play in France.

What makes Melck special are two facts: (1) he's a totally different league and (2) he had absolutely no contact with German rugby until now, despite his 31 years (he's a German-pass holder, born of German emigrants).

Maybe he realised that his chances to be called up by the Boks are declining . And Germany still holds a chance, however small, to reach the World Cup...

I bet the IRB wouldn't believe their luck if Germany would manage to sneak into the RWC.

He has moved from Dax(ProD2) to Cavalieri Prato (in Italy's first division of their domestic league). LINK. It's not a very high level, but at least he's probably on a pro contract there. I don't know if he has played for Germany against the Czech Rep. or if he will be called for their game against Sweden this weekend.

He has moved from Dax(ProD2) to Cavalieri Prato (in Italy's first division of their domestic league). LINK. It's not a very high level, but at least he's probably on a pro contract there. I don't know if he has played for Germany against the Czech Rep. or if he will be called for their game against Sweden this weekend.

He has moved from Dax(ProD2) to Cavalieri Prato (in Italy's first division of their domestic league). LINK. It's not a very high level, but at least he's probably on a pro contract there. I don't know if he has played for Germany against the Czech Rep. or if he will be called for their game against Sweden this weekend.

I knew he was playing in Italy!

I meant why is he not on the squad?

Was he injured or just rubbish now?

I very much doubt he could be rubbish enough to determine Germany to drop him. He was probably injured/not release or he refused to go.

He has moved from Dax(ProD2) to Cavalieri Prato (in Italy's first division of their domestic league). LINK. It's not a very high level, but at least he's probably on a pro contract there. I don't know if he has played for Germany against the Czech Rep. or if he will be called for their game against Sweden this weekend.

I knew he was playing in Italy!

I meant why is he not on the squad?

Was he injured or just rubbish now?

I very much doubt he could be rubbish enough to determine Germany to drop him. He was probably injured/not release or he refused to go.

ultravioletu wrote:Start? Not quite, the DRV-team already includes more than a handful of overseas players, eligible for Germany due to their long-term spells in Heidelberg (Sean Armstrong, Ryanor Parkinsor, Pieter Jordaan, Rob May) and Frankfurt (Chad Shepherd, Kieran Manawatu, Chris Howells - the last one plays now for Pforzheim, along with Rob May). Throw in a couple of German descendents (like Damien Tussac or Stéphane Kohler), who grew up and still play in France.

What makes Melck special are two facts: (1) he's a totally different league and (2) he had absolutely no contact with German rugby until now, despite his 31 years (he's a German-pass holder, born of German emigrants).

Maybe he realised that his chances to be called up by the Boks are declining . And Germany still holds a chance, however small, to reach the World Cup...

Chris Howells was raised and born in Germany. He played all his Rugby in Germany, too.

He has moved from Dax(ProD2) to Cavalieri Prato (in Italy's first division of their domestic league). LINK. It's not a very high level, but at least he's probably on a pro contract there. I don't know if he has played for Germany against the Czech Rep. or if he will be called for their game against Sweden this weekend.

I knew he was playing in Italy!

I meant why is he not on the squad?

Was he injured or just rubbish now?

I very much doubt he could be rubbish enough to determine Germany to drop him. He was probably injured/not release or he refused to go.

I hope he didn't refuse...

BTW do you know where can I buy the new Germany Jersey?

He is on a professional contract in Italy. It was agreed between player, union and club that Clemens plays with Prato for the reminder of their domestic season. He'll be free to play in a potential Qualifier against the Netherlands though.

Apparently he's only 31. Why is he retiring at all? Is he retiring from the national team only or from his club as well?Germany is unlikely to make it to the RWC, so I don't think that is part of the equation for him when taking the decision.

He retiring because he's 31 and amateur. Even if he plays for what many label as "the only professional club in Germany", he does not live off rugby, but off a normal job. In which he got promoted - with more responsibilities and less free time for training and travelling abroad. He told that he's decided to concentrate only on club for the short rest of his playing career.

That's a quite common story in German rugby, at all age levels. Many good yougsters are lost for seniors rugby when they must go to university and generally start worrying about their living.

There are a few exceptions, like "mulu", who God knows where he can find time and resources for his engagement in German rugby, but they are truly rare.